Dantewada: Temples, Waterfalls and History
Accommodation in Dantewada
Dantewada combines striking natural landscapes with a rich temple culture and traditions of remembrance. In the Bailadila Hills, along the Indravati River and at historic sites, you can discover the district from many different perspectives. Plan your trip around what you most want to explore: landscapes, religious architecture or evidence of local history.
Mountains, Waterfalls and Special Viewpoints
The Bailadila Hills are known for their extensive, high-quality iron ore deposits. Dholkal Ganesh is located there at an elevation of 3,000 feet. The site’s main attraction is a 0.9-metre-high stone statue of the god Ganesha, believed to date from the Naga dynasty, between the 10th and 11th centuries. With the support of trained local guides, adventure tours to Dholkal are possible. A visit to this mountain site also offers an opportunity to see the historic statue.
Fulpad offers a different experience of nature: its waterfall lies along a steep, rocky path in a green valley. With the right planning, Community Tourism can arrange a guide and opportunities to trek along the hilly paths to the waterfall. If you would also like to experience the hospitality of the local tribal community, you will need to plan well in advance. The guided tour and this encounter can thus be part of a visit arranged well ahead of time.
At Bodhghat Sath Dhar, the Indravati divides into seven branches and forms a small waterfall. For a different perspective on the region, take the 22-kilometre Ghat Road from Bacheli to Aakash Nagar: the drive offers panoramic views across the entire region. The river landscape, waterfall and road panorama each offer a different reason to explore Dantewada’s natural surroundings.
Discover Temples and History
Samlur is home to an almost completely preserved ancient Shiva temple, regularly visited by worshippers. Samlur is about 9 kilometres from the district headquarters in Dantewada. For those interested in historic temples, this is a place where an ancient structure remains part of living worship.
The temple of the revered goddess Ma Danteshwari stands at the confluence of the sacred Shankini and Dhankini rivers and is considered one of the 52 Shakti Pithas. The Danteshwari Mandir attracts several lakh—hundreds of thousands—of tourists, especially during Chitra Navaratri, Sharadiya Navaratri and the Fagun Mela. These festivals add a special cultural dimension to a visit; the temple’s location at the confluence also makes the two sacred rivers a distinctive feature.
Barsur lies on the banks of the Indravati and is known as the city of temples and ponds. It was once the capital of Nagavansh Raja Banasur. Its history and ancient sculptures make Barsur a worthwhile destination for visitors interested in historic sites. Taxis to Barsur run regularly from Geedam—a practical tip for getting there.
Gamawada is home to large stone pillars erected centuries ago by local residents as memorials to deceased elders and relatives. The Memory Pillars offer a glimpse into a centuries-old tradition of the local tribal communities. Unlike a temple, they tell a story of remembrance connected with the deceased and the communities of the area.
Choosing Your Travel and Accommodation Priorities
When looking for a holiday rental in Dantewada, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: temples and historic sites are complemented by mountain and waterfall destinations.
Another place to include in your travel plans is Darbha.
For the broader travel overview: Chhattisgarh.
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